Located in Bath County and divided by Lake Moomaw, the two tracts of the Gathright Wildlife Management Area contains 13,428 acres, encompassing three major mountains, Allegheny and Bolar Mountains west of the lake, and Coles Mountain to the east. Elevations range from 1,400 to 3,600 feet. The area’s long northwest boundary is marked by the crest of Allegheny Mountain where Virginia and West Virginia adjoin. Numerous streams flow eastward from the steep side of Allegheny Mountain and have created a series of secondary ridges and hollows that terminate at Mill Creek. The primary habitat found on the area is upland hardwood forest. Stands of oak/hickory and mixed oaks are the major forest types. Tulip popular grows in the more fertile hollows and small herbaceous openings are interspersed throughout much of the management area.

Directions

The Gathright Area is located about seven miles west of Warm Springs and about 10 miles north of Covington. Access the area via State Route 39 west of Warm Springs and Route 600 south to the management area. Consult map for more detail.